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Rokamar Hotel was built in the early 30s. In many cases, structures from this period have been destroyed by earthquakes or have not been maintained. This hotel, however is well preserved and maintained. The service is excellent and the place is kept very clean. We’re close to where the action is and can leave the car parked beneath the hotel and walk.
We have decided to stay three nights so we can visit Ramiro’s cousin Patricia one more time, attend a Rotary meeting and do the things we had planned to do the first time we were here. Ramiro also wants to find one more friend who may lead him to his brother Leo.
It’s rather cold in the morning; I estimate 14 degrees. but once the fog withdraws it warms up quickly and we enjoy the day with long walks, visiting some of the old neighbourhoods, admiring the colonial buildings and the park up in the hills.
The Flower Clock of Viña is one of its main attractions. It has a large variety of flowers, shaped in the name of the city as well as that of a clock which actually functions.
Luis, Alberto has invited us to his Rotary meeting in the Concon area. A more modern, high end vacation resort. This is also where the Naval Hospital is located as well as the Naval Club. A rather exclusive place with tennis court, several swimming pools, golf course, and a large building with gym, meeting rooms and restaurants.
This particular Rotary meeting is different from most others. Little Rotary business is discussed tonight. It seems more like a social club, with male members only. I am lucky and honoured to be invited.
Thursday
I have not been successful logging in to the web with my laptop and have some business to take care of and an on line newsletter to complete and distribute.
The traffic in some of the Chilean cities is crazy. Mostly one way streets. You miss one turn, you’ll have to drive around several blocks, hoping to get let into the long line ups, and putting up the car honking driving maniacs.
I have not yet been able to figure out, why it is that Chileans are never in a hurry, but as soon as they get in their cars, they are very anxious to get to where there have to be in a real hurry.
We search for quite some time for an internet cafe where I can use my own laptop using WiFi and plug it into the power outlet as well. Most places have either no WiFi or no plug ins.
Finally we find a little Restaurant where they let me sit in a quiet corner. Of course we have to eat lunch there as well.
We drop off our laundry at the Laundromat and while I do my work, Ramiro drives to Valparaiso to search for Ernesto, a long time family friend. After asking around he finally locates him and they have a chance to talk for several hours. Yes, Ernesto has an idea where Leo is. He lives right in Viña. Ramiro is getting closer.
Patricia and Delio pick us up close to the hotel and treat us to dinner in Valparaiso at Cafe Turri, a beautiful colonial building close to the harbour. Like most buildings in Valparaiso, it is built into the hills; It’s three stories overlooking the harbour and the city of Viña del Mar. The company, the view, the ambiance and the food make it all very special. We will not easily forget this wonderful evening. Both Delio and Patricia are wonderful people; part of a wonderful family.
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